August 2019 eNews & eBulletin
LEGION Act signed into law, expands membership eligibility
The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service) was signed by President Donald Trump in July and declares the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941. This change expands membership eligibility in The American Legion Family. For the American Legion Auxiliary, there are now two eligibility periods: April 6, 1917 to Nov. 11, 1918 and Dec. 7, 1941 until the U.S. is no longer at war, as determined by Congress. 

While new membership applications are being created, prospective members can write “other conflicts” in the eligibility date section of existing applications. This is a great opportunity for units to invite those who are newly eligible to join. Learn more here .
It's almost time to gather in Indianapolis for ALA's 99th National Convention
Our largest annual event will be held Aug. 23-29 in Indianapolis. Attendee information can be found on the  national website .  During convention, share your photos on social media and use the hashtag #AuxCon19. While in Indianapolis, we invite you to tour ALA National Headquarters. If you can’t attend, we will be livestreaming parts of convention. Follow us on social media for updates! Search @ALAforVeterans to find our social media pages. Also, read all about national and department accomplishments from the 2018-2019 year in the ALA's Annual Report .
Get a head start on #GivingTuesday
Be sure to stop by the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation's #GivingTuesday booth at National Convention, Aug. 26-28. Tell us your "why," take a picture at the fun photo booth, and get a small gift as a token of appreciation for your donation. We have a goal to raise $30,000 this year, and we need your help to do it! Missing this year's convention? You can still participate in #GivingTuesday by following this link.
Teens gain leadership skills at ALA Girls Nation
During the 2019 ALA Girls Nation in Washington D.C. last month, the “senators” gained practical insight into how the federal government operates, a sense of pride in our country, and friendships that last a lifetime. Vice President Mike Pence spoke with the girls about a career in public service and answered their questions. The senators also met with their state’s real-life counterparts on Capitol Hill, visited monuments, and enjoyed the hour-long, live-action military pageant Twilight Tattoo at Joint Base Myer-Henderson. Take a look at pictures from the week on the ALA Girls Nation Flickr page  or check out the social media pages @ALAGirlsNation. 
Help veterans heal with a gift to the Veterans Creative Arts Festival Fund
American Legion Auxiliary recognizes that the arts can provide powerful therapy. Locally and nationally, the Auxiliary sponsors events that assist veterans in healing from physical and psychological wounds through visual and performance arts. Each year, the artistic achievements of veterans being treated at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities across the country are displayed for all to see. With your gift, the show can go on. Click here to donate. 
ALA In the Know eBulletin
Click here to stay updated with August reports and timely articles from ALA national committees, programs, and activities: 100th Anniversary Committee, Auxiliary Emergency Fund, Education, Leadership, Legislative, and Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation.
ALA Annual Supplement to the 2017-2022 Programs Action Plan available for download
Find important information, deadlines, and committee contact information for the upcoming administrative year in the  2019-2020 Annual Supplement to the ALA Programs Action Plan . The publication is available for download in the Members Only section of the national website . 
Registration open for 2019-2020 ALA Mission Training events
ALA Mission Training is now two separate, yet related meetings: 

Mission Training 101: Delivery helps members better understand our mission of serving veterans, the military, and their families. The goal is to reduce obstacles that would prevent members from getting started. This meeting will be held in conjunction with the national Junior meetings.
Baltimore, MD – Oct 19, 2019
Sioux Falls, SD – Oct. 19, 2019
Kalamazoo, MI – Nov. 2, 2019
Orlando, FL – Jan. 11, 2020
Las Vegas, NV – Jan. 25, 2020

Mission Training 201: Development is the next level and helps members overcome common hurdles in mission delivery. The underlying belief in this training is that improving the member engagement experience will also drive membership. 
Hartford, CT – March 14, 2020
Albuquerque, NM – March 21, 2020
Nashville, TN – March 28, 2020

For more information on ALA Mission Training and to register, click here . 
DID YOU KNOW?
Help your unit spread the news about 100 years of ALA service!  The American Legion Auxiliary’s 100th anniversary media toolkit is available for download. This toolkit includes press releases, speeches, celebration ideas, and more. Click here to download. 

The newly revised ALA Unit Guide Book  is available and can be purchased from American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales. Follow this link to order . A downloadable version is also available on the American Legion Auxiliary website for members. To access the  ALA Unit Guide Book  online, use your ALA membership ID number to create a free username and password to access the Members Only section of the national website .

Celebrate a century of service by ordering an American Legion commemorative coin. The collection, available from the U.S. Mint, includes three coins – a silver dollar, a gold coin, and a half dollar. All surcharges received from the coins will support The American Legion’s services and programs. Follow this link for pricing information and to order.   

Are YOU helping the ALA Foundation by using AmazonSmile? Through Amazon’s charitable program, AmazonSmile, you can support the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation while knocking out some of your everyday shopping! And it doesn’t take much effort. Simply sign in to Amazon through  this special link , select the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, and just like that, Amazon donates 0.5 percent of every purchase you make to the ALA Foundation.

The American Legion Auxiliary has more than a dozen Facebook groups dedicated to our national ALA programs.  These closed groups are dedicated spaces where ALA members can share updates, photos, and messages with other members who share common interests in the Auxiliary’s national programs. If you are looking for insight on how to run a program, interested in learning more about what other units and departments do to reach veterans, or simply want to connect with ALA members around the world, join one of our many ALA Facebook groups.

Share your posts and photos with us on social media @ALAforVeterans. ALA social media hashtags:

#AuxCon19
#AmericanLegionAuxiliary
#ALAJuniors
ALA Membership
Where does your department stand in Auxiliary Membership? Click here to log in and view the latest reports.
ALA Centennial
It's time to get your ALA centennial celebration items!
The American Legion Legislative Alerts
The ALA supports the legislative agenda of The American Legion.
The benefits of being an ALA member
have never been better!

North American Moving Services
ALA families receive exclusive savings on professional moving and storage services from North American Van Lines. With over 75 years in the industry, trust your next relocation with the industry leader.

SIRVA Mortgage
Save on your next home with SIRVA Home Benefits. With your ALA membership, SIRVA Relocation can provide you with a professional real estate agent who fits your needs.
USAA
USAA membership offers exclusive benefits, products, and discounts for U.S. military members and their eligible family members.
Learn more about these and other benefits at: https://www.alaforveterans.org/Resources/Member-Benefits/
ALA Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
In the spirit of Service Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

Vision Statement
The vision of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion while becoming the premier service organization and foundation of every community providing support for our veterans, our military, and their families by shaping a positive future in an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, peace and security.